Laurence P. "Larry" Nokes
Trial Lawyer and Mediator
I have practiced law in California since December 1982. Over those years, I have represented clients in jury trials, court trials, arbitrations, and mediations involving a wide range of civil disputes.
I have experienced the satisfaction of prevailing, the disappointment of losing, and the uncertainty that accompanies even the most carefully prepared case.
Those experiences have shaped how I approach mediation.
Early in my career, I learned that thoughtful lawyers can examine the same facts and the same law and reach different, entirely reasonable conclusions. Recognizing that reality does not diminish the strength of an advocate's convictions. It allows us to evaluate a dispute with greater perspective.
I also learned that there is no substitute for preparation. Experience is invaluable, but careful analysis, mastery of the facts, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively remain essential.
A Career in Litigation
I began my career at Cummins & White, where I worked with exceptional lawyers who taught me the importance of preparation, collaboration, and thoughtful advocacy.
I subsequently practiced at McDermott Will & Emery, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with lawyers in different jurisdictions and appreciate the approaches they brought to similar legal problems.
In January 1993, I founded Nokes & Quinn, LLP, in Laguna Beach.
Throughout my career, I have represented individuals, businesses, property owners, and insurers in complex civil litigation. My practice has included real estate disputes, construction litigation, insurance coverage, business disputes, and land use matters.
I have tried cases before juries, judges, and arbitrators and handled appellate proceedings, including matters before the California Supreme Court.
Trial work has taught me that even the strongest case carries risk. Facts may be interpreted differently, witnesses may not be believed, and legal arguments may be rejected.
Those realities are not reasons to avoid trial. They are reasons to evaluate litigation thoughtfully.
Experience in Mediation
My involvement in mediation began long before I considered establishing a private mediation practice.
In 1996, I completed 40 hours of civil mediation training through the Academy of Dispute Resolution.
Orange County Superior Court Judge James P. Gray invited me to spend Fridays in his department conducting settlement conferences. I accepted that invitation and regularly conducted settlement conferences in his department for approximately three years.
I continued conducting settlement conferences for the Superior Court over approximately two decades, helping parties resolve hundreds of disputes.
At the same time, I continued representing clients in mediation throughout my litigation practice.
These experiences allowed me to see mediation from different perspectives: as an advocate responsible for protecting a client's interests and as a neutral working to help parties find common ground.
Beyond the Practice of Law
Laguna Beach has been my home since 1984.
I have been fortunate to participate in the civic life of the community, including chairing the committee responsible for Laguna Beach's View Restoration and Preservation Ordinance and helping lead reforms to the City's historic preservation program.
I have also served as president of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and chaired the South Coast YMCA Board of Managers.
Outside the practice of law, I am a lifelong guitarist, speak Italian fluently, and enjoy spending time with my wife, Cathy, our daughter, McKenna, and son-in-law Michael, and our two grandsons, Jack and Welles.
Family has always been central to my life. One of the reasons I established Nokes & Quinn was to have the freedom to participate fully in my daughter's childhood.
Education and Professional Background
| Education | University of Utah, B.A., 1979 University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D., 1982 |
|---|---|
| Mediation Training | Academy of Dispute Resolution, 40 hours of civil mediation training, 1996 |
| Professional Experience | Admitted to the State Bar of California, 1982 Cummins & White McDermott Will & Emery Founder, Nokes & Quinn, LLP, 1993 |
| Recognition | AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell, since 1993 |
| Civic Service | Former two-term president, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Former chair, South Coast YMCA Board of Managers |